More Residents Sign Up for Better Health, Cleaner Environment, Chance to Win Prizes
Atlanta, GA – Sept. 26, 2023 – The 11th annual Biketober Challenge kicks off Oct. 1, and the competition is already heating up, with registration numbers on pace to exceed last year’s totals.
More than 1,500 Atlanta area residents have pre-registered for the monthlong cycling event, which is sponsored by Georgia Commute Options (GCO) to promote a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to driving while offering the chance to win big prizes. Last year, about 3,300 riders and nearly 300 companies participated, logging some 330,000 miles and saving more than 31,800 pounds of CO2.
“The goal of Biketober is simple: to get more people riding bikes,” said Roz Tucker, managing director of GCO. “We’re 11 years into this challenge, and we’re seeing strong pre-registration numbers, which tells us that more and more people across the 20-county region see the joys and benefits of biking to work, school or recreational activities. The soaring popularity of bike riding not only highlights a shift towards healthier, more sustainable living, but also emphasizes the commitment to reducing environmental impact.”
First-time Biketober participant Jason Cormier of Coweta County is among the early sign-ups. Cormier, founder of the Cyclepaths Gravel Club, started riding four years ago to explore new areas of Georgia and meet new people.
“Participating in Biketober is right up my alley because I love to pay my passion forward and help create a space for others to be excited about biking, too,” Cormier said.
New and existing riders can participate individually or form a team with friends or coworkers. Cyclists compete by logging their miles and earning points for every mile they ride, every day they ride and for every additional person they encourage to participate. The more points they earn, the more chances they have to win weekly prizes, including cash. This year’s grand prize is an Edison electric bike.
A number of bike-related events are taking place during Biketober. They include bike tune-ups, group rides, classes for beginners and open street celebrations. See a list of events below.
For more information about the Biketober Challenge, including registration details and event updates, visit www.biketober.com.
For news media inquiries and interviews, please contact Joel Wascher at JWascher@AtlantaRegional.org, 470-698-6106, or Shane Blatt, sblatt@gacommuteoptions.com, 770-384-6715.
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About Georgia Commute Options: Georgia Commute Options, a program managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission and funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation, works with employers, commuters and schools to encourage drivers who ride alone to make the switch to a commute alternative such as riding transit, teleworking, carpooling, vanpooling, walking and/or biking, with the ultimate goal of reducing congestion and the emissions that contribute to smog pollution. For more information, visit www.GaCommuteOptions.com and follow Georgia Commute Options on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Get access to cash incentives by logging your clean commute on our website or through the Georgia Commute app, which is available for download via the App Store or Google Play.
| FULTON COUNTY | DEKALB COUNTY |
| Tune Ups, Test Rides, and Treats What: Free bike tune-up, test ride of a new Edison V2 electric bike, and more When: Wednesday, Oct. 4 (4-6 p.m.) Where: Corner of District Avenue and 17 1/2th Street, Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA 30363 More Info: Tune Ups, Test Rides, and Treats | Facebook Dope Pedalers What: Group rides with bike club When: Thursdays and Sundays (8 p.m.) at 502 Pryor St.; Tuesdays (11 a.m.) at 151 Sampson St. More Info: thedopepedalers.com All for One 100 Van Purser Foundation What: Fundraising event with 29-, 64-, and 100-mile rides When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 (7:30 a.m. registration) Where: 4350 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022 More Info: Van Purser Foundation Keep on Pedaling: Buckhead Bike Social What: Lineup of biking-centered activities designed exclusively for the Buckhead community When: Wednesday, Oct. 18 (5-7 p.m.) Where: 3350 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30326 More info: https://livablebuckhead.com/event/keep-on-pedaling-buckhead-bike-social/ Atlanta Streets Alive What: Experience community streets in a safer, healthier, more livable way When: Sunday, Oct. 22 (1-5 p.m.) Where: Peachtree Street, from Mitchell Street in Downtown Atlanta to 15th Street in Midtown More Info: Atlanta Streets Alive Westside Stride What: Find your stride on Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street When: Saturday, Oct. 29 (noon) Where: Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30327 More Info: https://www.westsidestride.org/ | Biking in Brookhaven What: Group bike rides in Brookhaven When: Mondays, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30 (5-7 p.m.) Where: Savi Market, 1388 Dresden Drive, Brookhaven, GA 30319 More Info: https://www.facebook.com/brookhavenbikealliance/ |
| GWINNETT COUNTY | |
| Lake Lanier Island Sprint Triathlon What: Swim, bike, and run triathlon When: Sunday, Oct. 8 (7:30 a.m.) Where: 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford GA 30518 More Info: trisignup.com Pedal Norcross What: 2.8-mile ride through Historic Norcross and a safety-related Bike Law 101 Clinic When: Saturday, Oct. 21 (3-6 p.m.) Where: 20 Skin Alley, Norcross, GA 30071 More Info: norcrossga.net | |
| WALTON COUNTY | |
| Rescue 1 Century Annual Fundraising Charity What: 9th annual ride to raise funds for young victims of abuse When: Saturday,Oct. 7 (8 a.m.) Where: 154 Alcova Drive, Social Circle, GA 30025 More Info: https://rescue1century.org/sponsorship/ | |
| COWETA COUNTY | |
| Lewis Grizzard and Catfish Memorial Bike Ride What: Bike ride through to honor once-famed Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Lewis Grizzard; proceeds go toward free books to children up to 5 years old in Coweta County When: Sunday, Oct. 1 (8 a.m.) Where: 7 Main St., Moreland, GA 30259 More Info: https://www.active.com/moreland-ga/cycling/races/ferst-annual-lewis-grizzard-and-catfish-memorial-bike-ride-2023 | |
| NEWTON COUNTY | |
| Murder Creek Madness Social Ride What: 23- and 44-mile group rides When: Sunday, Oct. 29 (10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. starts) Where: Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, 543 Elliott Trail, Mansfield, GA 30055 More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/murder-creek-madness-social-ri/693444435449486/ |